Athlete Spotlight: Cortez Rawls, Montclair High boys basketball

Cortez Rawls watched the film of Montclair's win over Orange on Dec. 18 and was not pleased with his own first-half performance.

"I wasn't making shots, and I kind of lost my way," said the Mounties' shooting guard. "So I saw that and said that I had to pick myself up with defense."

In Tuesday's rematch with the Tornadoes, Rawls did just that, coming up with a couple early steals, a block and some solid on-ball defense to help MHS hold Orange scoreless for the first six-plus minutes.

Offensively, he also sparked the Mounties by scoring 10 of his season-high 14 points in the first half.

A versatile player who can drive, shoot the 3 and play the aggressive brand of defense that has made Montclair successful this season, the 6-foot Rawls is averaging 6.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

We caught up with the senior guard for a quick Q&A session following Tuesday's impressive victory:

Nicknames: "Tez."

Favorite sport to play: Basketball.

Favorite sport to watch: Basketball.

Favorite class in school: Math. "I'm good with numbers. You give me a numbers problem, and I'll figure it out."

Favorite pro athlete: Russell Westbrook.

Favorite pro team: Oklahoma City Thunder.

Favorite TV show: "The Bernie Mac Show."

Favorite movie: "Friday."

Song you listen to before a game: "Stay Schemin'," Rick Ross feat. Drake & French Montana.

Plans for after high school: "I hope to get a scholarship to any college who will have me. I want to get a good education, continue playing ball somewhere and keep working hard. I'd like to study electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, I haven't decided which yet."